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Summary for: 3 key travel and relocation rules for Czechia every expat parent should knowFor parents living in Czechia, navigating travel and relocation with children after separation or divorce can be legally complex.
Although a major amendment to Czechia’s Civil Code takes effect in 2026, the rules governing short-term travel, relocation, and preventing unlawful removal have been established for many years and continue to apply unchanged. These principles guide how parents should prepare for travel abroad, agree on a child’s residence, and respond if there is a risk the child may not be returned.
Because these rules apply across different situations, parents must distinguish between short-term travel abroad, a long-term change of residence, and the risk of a child not being returned. Each scenario follows its own set of legal principles, but all rely on the same foundation: shared parental responsibility and the need for consent.
Expats.cz spoke with family lawyer and mediator Mgr. Silvia Borovská to get her expert insight on the most common scenarios parents face and practical advice to prevent complications.
1. Short-term travel and consent
While Czech law does not always require written approval for short-term travel, many countries demand evidence that the child is traveling legally and with parental consent. Carrying a letter with a verified signature stating the child’s destination, travel dates, and reason for the trip can prevent problems at border controls.It is recommended that signatures be verified directly by a notary (for international recognition), not at CzechPOINT.
Even for a simple family vacation, it’s wise to have the other parent’s written consent,” Borovská explains. “Border officers in some countries may ask for proof that both parents agree.”
Verbal consent alone is often insufficient, she adds. “A short, clear letter in English can save a lot of stress and questions.”
If one parent refuses consent, a court can authorize the travel, but this step takes time and may require documentation showing how the parents currently share responsibilities for the child. Authorities abroad may request official proof that the child is not being taken unlawfully.
Before traveling, the Czech Office for International Legal Protection of Children advises parents to consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country they are visiting, either via its website or by contacting them directly, to confirm the rules for traveling with a minor.
2. Long-term relocation requires mutual consent
Long-term relocation with a child after divorce or separation involves stricter legal conditions, according to Borovská. Both parents must agree in writing to the child’s change of habitual residence, or seek court approval if agreement is impossible.
When one parent remains in Czechia while the other plans to move abroad, both parents should communicate early and create a plan for shared parental responsibilities.
Written agreements, ideally translated, with a verified signature, can clarify contact schedules, financial obligations, and decision-making rights.
“If the parents cannot agree, the court will decide,” Borovská states, adding that the overall goal is to balance the child’s relationship with both parents and minimize disruption. Courts evaluate relocation petitions using a set of criteria, including the child’s school stability, access to both parents, and the practical feasibility of maintaining contact across borders.
They will take into account the child’s roots, daily life, and emotional ties to each country to determine what is truly in the best interest of the child.”
Families should also be aware that moving abroad will subject the child and parent to local education, healthcare, and social systems, and that the courts in the child’s new country of residence will have jurisdiction over custody matters after authorized relocation in the future.
3. Preventing abduction and knowing your rights
A major concern for many parents is the risk that the other parent might travel abroad with the child and fail to return.
“The line between relocation and abduction is simple: consent,” Borovská emphasizes. “Leaving or keeping a child abroad without the other parent’s or a court’s approval is unlawful and can trigger international return procedures.”
Czech law provides several protections to prevent such scenarios, including court orders and procedures under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (of which Czechia is a signatory). If a parent refuses to return a child after an authorized visit, immediate legal action is required to restore lawful custody.
Preventive measures include applying to the court to determine the child’s primary residence or seeking interim measures, notifying the appropriate authorities of potential abduction risks, and temporarily placing the child’s passport with a neutral party.
Mediation and early legal consultation are crucial in preventing escalation, fostering open communication, and ensuring that both parents remain actively involved in important decisions.
As Borovská explains: “Early action helps prevent unnecessary conflict and protects the child’s stability.” Guidance from a specialist lawyer can safeguard children while reducing conflict and legal uncertainty.
The bottom line
Whether traveling abroad briefly or relocating long-term, parents in Czechia should secure clear, preferably written consent from both sides and seek legal guidance when needed.
Early legal advice can clarify consent requirements, prevent lengthy and stressful legal disputes, and provide peace of mind. Most importantly, it puts the child first.
